Amsterdam Agenda, 5th World Conference on Research Integrity

The World Conferences on Research Integrity seek to promote discussion and to coordinate efforts to improve research integrity on a global scale. Over the years, participants have reported on efforts to understand the nature of the difficulties associated with research integrity. They have also suggested ways to reduce misbehavior and to promote best practice, with the ultimate goal of assuring that research is undertaken in accordance with the four principles of responsible research set out in the Singapore Statement:

Honesty in all aspects of research

Accountability in the conduct of research

Professional courtesy and fairness in working with others

Good stewardship of research on behalf of others

It is now time to place greater emphasis on the assessment of efforts to improve integrity in research and the use of empirical information in developing research integrity policies. To achieve this objective the World Conferences on Research Integrity Foundation (WCRIF) will implement the following agenda:

1. WCRIF will establish a “Research on Responsible conduct of Research Registry” (3R Registry). The 3R Registry will seek to encourage researchers to plan, conduct, report and share their research around six key elements:

Problem. The particular shortcomings they are addressing, such as selective reporting, poor mentoring or inadequate quality assurance.

Impact. An estimation of the relative impact of the shortcomings on the reliability of research, on trust in the research enterprise, on the responsible use of research funds and on other relevant measures of responsible research.

Intervention. The specific way(s) they plan to address the identified shortcoming(s), such as through training, outcomes assessment, quality checks, or reinforcements that encourage responsible behavior.

Hypothesis or Anticipated Outcomes. The changes expected as a result of the intervention.

Assessment. How they plan to test their hypotheses and to assess whether the outcomes have been achieved.

Data sharing. How data (quantitative and qualitative) will be shared.

2. WCRIF will encourage funding institutions to support research on research integrity.

3. WCRIF will raise awareness of the importance of research on research integrity and its use in developing evidence-based policy.

4. WCRIF will report on the response to the 3R Registry at the 6th World Conference on Research Integrity with the goal of organizing and prioritizing future research on research integrity.